The topical retinoid preparation Differin(R) Gel 0.1% boosts the efficacy of acne treatment when added to systemic or other topical agents, researchers reported at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
The results, based on a large Phase IV trial known as the Measuring Outcomes in a Real World Experience (MORE) trial, also showed that patients considered their acne regimen superior when Differin(R) Gel 0.1% was included compared to therapy that did not include DifferinR Gel 0.1%.
“It’s important to note that the trial included several different acne treatment strategies, and thus our study population represents the broad range of patients typically seen by practicing dermatologists,” said John E. Wolf, Jr., MD, a member of the trial’s steering committee and professor and chairman of the dermatology division at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
For the trial, approximately 2,500 patients with moderate to severe acne were followed for a 12-week period while receiving the treatment prescribed by their individual dermatologist. All treatment regimens contained Differin(R) Gel 0.1% either as add-on therapy or part of first-line combination therapy.
Patients were assessed at baseline and then again at weeks six and 12.
The data showed that Differin(R) Gel 0.1% was associated with a dramatic reduction in comedones and inflammatory lesions (65%). Treatment was well tolerated, with adverse reactions reported in less than 6% of subjects.
Overall, 86% of patients said they were satisfied with treatment, and 64% said DifferinR Gel 0.1% outperformed other treatments when used in combination therapy.
“Overall, our results demonstrate that Differin(R) Gel 0.1%, when combined with many different products, yielded reliable improvements with excellent tolerability and patient satisfaction and can thus be viewed as an ideal topical retinoid preparation,” Dr. Wolf observed.
About 400 physicians participated in the MORE trial.
Acne vulgaris affects roughly 80 percent of young adults and adolescents and is one of the most common reasons for office visits to the dermatologist.
Differin(R) Gel 0.1% is manufactured by Galderma Pharma.
By Jill Stein
Jill Stein is a Paris-based freelance medical writer.